Official Publication of the City of Chattahoochee Hills, GA
CHATT HILLS NEWS
Issue 3 Volume 2 www.chatthillsga.us
MARCH 2021
Features
Events
Arts in Chatt Hills
City Government
Our Community Page 3
What’s going on Locally? Page 8
What are our Artists up to? Page 12
Stay Informed Page 18
Bear Creek Nature Center
HEALTH
© Susan Crutchfield Photography
CDC Get the latest Coronavirus (COVID-19) information HERE.
The State of Georgia has a new COVID-19 hotline. If you believe that you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or have been exposed to the novel coronavirus, please contact your primary care doctor or an urgent care clinic. Please do not show up unannounced at an emergency room or health care facility. CALL THIS HOTLINE: (844) 442-2681
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MAYOR TOM REED
Chattahoochee Hills Arbor Day Celebration By Laurie Searle
The City of Chattahoochee Hills celebrated Arbor Day with the planting of Swamp Oak tree at Rico Park on February 26. The tree was planted in memory of Hugh Tyer Jr., a longtime civic volunteer, arborist, and chair of the City’s tree board. Mayor Reed read the City’s Arbor Day Proclamation which began with the history of this holiday. Arbor Day was first observed in 1872 with the planting of more than a million trees in Nebraska, and is now observed throughout the nation and the world. The Mayor then addressed Mrs. Claudette Tyer and Darleen (Tyer) Thomason, the wife and daughter of Hugh Tyer who passed away on December 13, 2020. He said Hugh was a “Southern Gentleman” who was kind and soft-spoken with a passion for the City and for preserving its trees. He thanked them for Hugh’s many years of service, as well as their on-going support of the City. Public Works Director Darold Wendlandt said Hugh was instrumental in helping with the City’s Arbor Days. He said Hugh would recommend the tree selection and location, and volunteer to pick up and deliver the trees. It was Hugh’s vision to plant five Swamp Oak trees at Rico Park. The planting today is the third of five trees. Neil Norton of the Georgia Arborist Association spoke of Hugh’s long-time affiliation with the organization and his professionalism as an arborist. He said the Georgia Arborist Association is in the process of making a plaque for the new tree in Hugh’s honor. Fellow arborists were in attendance to pay their respects. The City’s Arbor Day Proclamation ended with the Mayor urging all citizens to plant trees to “gladden the heart and promote the well-being of this and future generations.” This was a goal well achieved by Hugh Tyer Jr.
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Chattahoochee Hills Mayor Tom Reed joins Neil Norton and members of the Georgia Arborist Association, along with Mrs. Claudette Tyer and Darleen (Tyer) Thomason, in honoring Hugh Tyer Jr. at the City Arbor Day Celebration at Rico Park.
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OUR COMMUNITY Georgia Young Farmer Program By Ruby Foster
State Representative Mandisha Thomas is working on bringing our very own Supplemental Young Farmer of America position to South Fulton. This position brings additional resources and knowledge of how to make better use of land. North Fulton has one and we are next in line. The Georgia Young Farmer program is the adult education component of Georgia's Agricultural Education program. County Young Farmer Programs conduct educational seminars on everything from agricultural technology to legislative issues affecting agriculture. The local advisor plays an instrumental role in providing these opportunities and assisting farmers in the community. The Supplemental Young Farmer position provides instruction through organized classes on everything from new farming techniques, risk management strategies, water management, and agricultural awareness, to legislative issues affecting agriculture, as well as providing on-site technical assistance in our community. What an awesome time visiting FCS Agriculture Education Programs in my district!!! I look forward to working with Mr. Hyman of Creekside High School and Estella Cook of Oakley Elementary, and expanding Agricultural opportunities in district 65.
FFA, Future Farmers of American with the agriculture program at Creekside High School, teacher (Mr. Traves Haymen) and Bear Creek Middle School, teacher (Ms. Ladonna Withrow) along with State Representative Mandisha Thomas. CHATT HILLS NEWS - MARCH 2021 - SUBSCRIBE TO CHATT HILLS NEWS
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OUR COMMUNITY Bear Creek Nature Center Follow the path to the Nature Center. On any given day, Bear Creek Nature Center receives its share of visitors from those who wander off the beaten path or decide to extend their hike from Cochran Mill Park, which adjoins the property. Once there, first-time visitors discover many reasons for returning, including the Nature Center's environmental exhibits and education, and outdoor recreation areas ideal for family picnics, larger gatherings, or day hikes. The Nature Center chose the "Bear Paw" for its barn quilt in honor of its namesake, Bear Creek, and also for the history of this particular quilt pattern, which is said to have guided many who wander through the woods. The main barn quilt is displayed on the lower-level of the Lodge at the Nature Center (check website or Facebook for hours of operation). For those touring the Chatt Hills Barn Quilt Trail during other times, a smaller version of the barn quilt is displayed on the Nature Center's mailbox on Cochran Mill Rd. Chatt Hills Barn Quilt Trail volunteer Janice Garner painted the large barn quilt for the Nature Center’s Lodge; volunteer Laurie Searle painted the small barn quilt for their mailbox. Heritage Story: Building the Nature Center In the late 1980s, a small group of local residents with a shared passion for the environment believed they could strengthen their Atlanta Southern Crescent community through environmental education and conservation. Together, they secured a 45-year lease on approximately 50 acres of privately-owned land adjacent to Cochran Mill Park, an 800-acre nature preserve owned and managed by Fulton County. This property became the home of the Nature Center, a private, non-profit organization that has provided year-round educational programming since 1991. Inspired by the Nature Center’s mission and goals, volunteers worked with staff and board members to expand the capacity and reach of the Nature Center. Together, they built a 6,000 square-foot lodge, the Nature Center’s first permanent facility, and a one-acre wildlife pond. The new lodge, complete with new exhibits and programming, opened to the public in 1994. In addition to the construction of the lodge, volunteers and donors have generously aided the Nature Center in the 4
Pictured Left to Right: Norma Lewis, Executive Director and Naturalist; Larry Reed, CFO; Louie Deaton, Director; Beth Harbin, Assistant Naturalist; Ray Hannah, Chairperson.
A mini barn quilt is displayed on the Nature Center's mailbox on Cochran Mill Rd. building of a handicapped-accessible boardwalk and dock, a pavilion, and the Helen Selman memorial garden. After more than 20 years of service, the Nature Center was recognized as Atlanta's Southern Crescent Region’s premier environmental education organization. The Center is now known as Bear Creek Nature Center. See their complete barn quilt story at: http://www. chatthillsbarnquilttrail.com/bear-creek-nature-center.html
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OUR COMMUNITY
Burdett Family Barn – 5365 Cochran Mill Rd, Fairburn, GA 30213 (in Chatt Hills) Star light, star bright Mark and Debbie Burdett set their sights on Chattahoochee Hills when searching for a larger home place in 2006. As they traveled the country back roads, they spied two iconic red barns set in a large front pasture framed by a buffer of mature trees. While the country setting was enough to sell the couple on this property, they were delighted to find it also had two living spaces ideal for their extended family. Soon after they settled in, the couple adorned their barn with a traditional tin star. When they learned about the new barn quilt trail, they looked for a similar star and found a brightly colored star pattern called "Western Spy." An affinity for stars and quilts Debbie's route to work took her by one of the first barn quilts in Chatt Hills. Also on a red barn, this barn quilt featured three quilt squares that resembled a traditional quilt. She had something similar in mind when she considered a pattern for her new barn quilt: she wanted something that looked more like a quilt and less light a geometric design. Debbie found one of her family's quilts with a star pattern she liked. The multi-colored star was the same shape as the tin star on her barn, so she wondered if it would make a good barn quilt. But once the pattern was drafted, many of its fine details appeared to be lost when viewed from a distance. As she and her sister looked through more quilt patterns, they found the "Western Spy;" pattern. It featured an eight-point star framed in a brightly-colored
Debbie Burdett poses with their new barn quilt. patchwork of white, red, and yellow. This was the perfect "quilt-look" Debbie was looking for. Heritage, the story Before 2007, the land that is now the City of Chattahoochee Hills was rural land in unincorporated Fulton County, Georgia. Residents who lived there were either generational families who originally founded the area, or newcomers attracted to the area for its natural beauty and country setting. When the plan was formed to incorporate this area, it initially encompassed a much larger land boundary, including the property where the Burdett's now live. But at the 12th hour, the land boundaries changed, leaving a good portion of the planned area outside the limits of the new City of Chattahoochee Hills. Debbie and Mark knew that their property was still in unincorporated Fulton County when they purchased it, but it wasn't until years later they realized the potential benefits they would have if their property could be in the Chatt Hills city limits. The biggest benefit would be the assurance that their property and its surrounding area would remain rural and be protected from over-development due to a smart-development plan and zoning Chatt Hills created. Other neighboring residents felt the same way, so when they had an opportunity to annex into Chatt Hills a few years ago, they gladly signed the petition. Today, Mark and Debbie enjoy the best of both worlds—a home place in the country governed by a city that values rural preservation. See their complete barn quilt story at: http://www.chatthillsbarnquilttrail.com/burdett-barn.html.
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OUR COMMUNITY
Chatt Hills Government featured in local Radio program The City of Chattahoochee Hills received an invitation from Damita Chatman of MIX 106 Radio to talk about government leadership as part of an on-going series featuring municipalities in South Fulton County. Mayor Tom Reed and City Councilmembers Ruby Foster and Laurie Searle accepted the invitation for the two-hour radio program on February 7. Topics ranged from an overview of Chatt Hills and its protective zoning that is helping to keep the city deliberately rural, to the challenges all local governments are facing during the pandemic. Mayor Reed spoke of the importance of the leadership teams in all municipalities working together for the betterment of the region. He also spoke highly of the Chatt Hills government team and the hardworking city staff who work together to accomplish the city’s vision, and his fellow local Mayors in the region, who are working hard together to overcome structural impediments to quality development on the south side. Councilmember Ruby Foster talked about the many community outreach programs that help connect residents, city staff, and city government to strengthen our City. Councilmember Laurie Searle talked about the shared passion residents, staff, and government have for making Chatt Hills a welcoming and great place to live in. The Chatt Hills team appreciated the opportunity to participate in the program and thanked the hosts for the opportunity to discuss its local government. 6
Video Explaining Riverlands The Chattahoochee Riverlands posted a new 3-minute video on their website that gives an excellent overview of the River and the RiverLands Greenway Study. See: https://chattahoocheeriverlands.com/ The Chattahoochee RiverLands Greenway Study reconsiders the region’s relationship to the River and proposes a collective vision for the future. From Buford Dam on Lake Lanier to Chattahoochee Bend State Park, the Chattahoochee RiverLands envisions new and equitable investments in parks, trails and water access points along a continuous 100-mile-long public space. For decades, interstates have largely defined Metro Atlanta’s growth. The Chattahoochee RiverLands Greenway Study suggests an equally powerful influence on how the region lives, works, plays, and travels.
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OUR COMMUNITY Board of Appeals upholds county's denial of quarry developer's permits By MICHAEL O’HEARN THE TIMES-GEORGIAN, Feb 12 A developer’s appeal of Carroll County’s denial for zoning permits to construct a rock quarry was rejected Thursday night. Birmingham-based Green Rock wants to develop a quarry and construction aggregate facility near Whitesburg on Black Dirt Road. The development is estimated to be a $20 million investment. The county, however, denied permits the project needs to go forward, so Green Rock appealed that decision to the Carroll County Board of Appeals. For nearly three and a half hours Thursday, the panel heard from attorneys for both the county and the developer. Residents also voiced their concerns about how the quarry might impact their quality of life. The Board of Appeals then voted 4-1 to uphold the county’s decision in November to deny the quarry developer’s zoning compliance certificate and its application to build an office trailer on site. The vote means that Green Rock will now move forward with a lawsuit filed in December against the Carroll County Board of Commissioners. Green Rock’s proposal received opposition from Whitesburg residents, the city’s mayor, at least one county commissioner, the Coweta Board of Commissioners and the Chattahoochee Riverkeeper, an environmental organization that works to protect the nearby river. Green Rock was represented by Atlanta attorneys Scott Peters and Mary Ellen Lighthiser from the Schreeder, Wheeler and Flint law firm. Carroll County Community Development Director Ben Skipper and County Planner Janet Hyde were represented by Avery Jackson, a county attorney. “Green Rock has a vested right to use the agriculturally zoned property to move minerals and natural resources,” Peters said. Peters told the Board that the county also changed the county’s buffer requirements from the boundaries of the property from 200 feet to 1,000 feet, which he said made the 360-acre property “completely unusable.” He added Green Rock would comply with a 400-foot buffer. “As you shrink everything down, you get to a point where it’s just impossible to use,” Peters said. “What the county has done intentionally is created supposedly an ability to do
something that no one can do.” He also told the panel that the county has “frustrated” the Development of Regional Impact (DRI) process, which every mining operation must go through to get approval from the state. Up until August, the developer could build the mining operation on the property, which was zoned agricultural. But the Carroll County Board of Commissioners amended the county’s zoning ordinance during its Aug. 4 meeting at the request of District 5 Commissioner Ernest Reynolds. This action effectively banned mining operations in these districts by transferring that language from the definition of agricultural zones to the industrial zones within the county. Green Rock also applied with the state Department of Natural Resources for a surface mining permit in August, but Jackson said it was rejected by that department because it was incomplete. The division needed a letter that says their operation is allowed on the property and, without it, the developer cannot receive a surface mining permit. Green Rock filed its application for the zoning certificate on Nov. 11 with the county’s community development office. That certificate, along with the building permit for an office trailer at the proposed quarry, was denied by Skipper on Nov. 18. Jackson said that, before Nov. 11, Green Rock had not filed any applications for any permits or zoning compliance. He told the Board of Appeals that Skipper performed his duties as the county’s community development director and denied Green Rock’s zoning compliance certificate based on what the zoning ordinance said in November. “Because of those changes that were made in August, when Mr. Skipper received Green Rock’s application, he looked at the zoning ordinance at the time, saw that the words ‘rock quarry’ were a conditional use in industrial zoning, [and] he saw that Green Rock’s property was zoned in the agricultural zoning district,” Jackson said. “He said, ‘you can’t do a rock quarry in an agricultural zoning district’ because the language of the ordinance expressly says it is allowed in industrial zones, so he denied their application based on the text.”
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EVENTS
Tough Mudder 5K Classic International Event will be right here in Chattahoochee Hills at Bouckaert Farms, April 24 & 25, 2021. This is a great event whether you are a participant or spectator.
Bouckaert Farms 10045 Cedar Grove Road, Fairburn, GA 30213. For more info & tickets visit: https://toughmudder.com/weekends/atlanta/
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EVENTS
Liz Longley
Eliot Bronson
Best known for her stopyou-in-your-tracks voice, Liz Longley is an accomplished singer-songwriter based out of Nashville. Known for her deeply emotional music, Longley has earned accolades from some of the most prestigious songwriting competitions in the country, including the BMI John Lennon Songwriting Scholarship Competition. http://www.chatthillsmusic. com/liz-longley-2021
Over the course of five albums, indie folksinger Eliot Bronson has created his own brand of acclaimed Americana. He's an award winner. A road warrior. An internationally-renowned musician with a voice that swoons and sweeps, making fans out of everyone from his hometown newspaper, The Baltimore Sun — who championed Bronson from the very start, hailing him as "a folk singing wunderkind" back when he was still playing local coffeeshops — to Grammy-winning producer Dave Cobb, whose work on 2014's Eliot Bronson and 2017's James placed Bronson on the same client roster as Jason Isbell, Chris Stapleton, and other heartfelt songwriters. http://www.chatthillsmusic.com/eliot-bronson-band-2021
March 20, 8pm
April 10, 8pm
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EVENTS & LOCAL BUSINESS
Join us for Sweep the Hooch Residents of Chattahoochee Hills will be helping to clean up the river, both on the land and on the water. “Walkers" will help to clean up the banks of the river in Campbellton Park and Old Campbellton. “Paddlers" in kayaks or canoes will help to clean up the river on the 5 mile section between the Campbellton Road (Hwy 154/166) boat ramp and the Campbellton Park boat ramp. Paddlers must provide their own boats, paddles, and life vests. https://chattahoochee.org/sweep-the-hooch/
Ruby Foster's Faith-Based Battle Accord By Ruby Foster Launched in 2018, Battle Accord is a brand focused on Christian Apparel & Gifts. Throughout life I have met and overcome many different challenges, and through the grace of God I have grown and thrived. 10
Tom Swanston Art Featured Thomas Swanston of StudioSwan here in our Rico Community had this beautiful work installed at Chateau Elan wich was recently featured in Hospitality Design Magazine January 2021. Congratulations, Tom! Hospitality Design Magazine Link
Battle Accord is a call to hope for all no matter what race, creed, or age. The timeless wisdom represented in the brand’s products and messages can be translated to our modern world and unique challenges we face in our daily lives. Battle Accord is a brand that everyone can wear and gift to spread hope to friends and family while being reminded of God’s love and wisdom. www.etsy.com/shop/BattleAccord, Facebook: Battle Accord
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LOCAL BUSINESS Finding Your Second Wind Have you suddenly found that you are looking at more birthday candles than cake? Have you gotten to the "second half" of life and found yourself asking the question: “Now what?” Wendy Charles Maguire found that not only was she asking that question of herself, but everyone surrounding her seemed to be pondering that very same question:"Everyone I knew seemed to be in a holding pattern, a ‘wash, rinse, and repeat’ scenario, and I felt that just wasn’t okay anymore." About 5 years ago at the age of 50, Wendy made the decision with her husband, Frank Maguire, to leave the fish bowl of their Fayetteville neighborhood and downsize. "We wanted land, but the real prerequisite for finding a house was that my husband desired lots of natural privacy.” A cabin and acreage on Hopkins Road fit the bill—not to mention this small log cabin made it much more difficult for any of their four grown kids to move back in with them. After moving to Chatt Hills, Wendy and Frank continued to run their restaurants, Maguire’s Family and Friends in Senoia and Crosstown Grille and Ale House in Peachtree City. Wendy began acquiring rescue animals both large and small. Having settled into a more rural existence, her life seemed fairly predictable. All of the mainstays of the boxes of life were checked to include: the business, the marriage, the kids, and now the land with the animals—but still something was missing. Life seemed good, but Wendy wanted it to be great. Wendy started listening to podcasts and audible books that opened her mind to the idea that there was indeed more to life. Beginning with The Wisdom of Sundays by Oprah Winfrey, Wendy became inspired to learn all she could about life and listened to countless books on the subject. “Out of nowhere I had the idea that I should do a podcast; the idea literally dropped into my head like a bight pink sticky note!” Wendy says. “To me, this seemed a bit crazy. I had no idea where to begin, but then I quieted myself down and decided to do all of the things I had been listening to over the last year. Like magic, or whatever you may call it, the answers started coming. The people who could help me and support the idea arrived quickly. Everything coalesced in October of 2020—so I went for it: I hired
the podcast company, signed the deal, and bought a mic!" Wendy had a clear idea of the podcast’s theme. "I decided to follow my intuition and do what I love, which is having meaningful conversations with people, finding out their why—and inspiring others through heartfelt talks with ordinary women doing extraordinary things in the second half of life. I believe we all have a story, and we all have an obligation to help and serve others through that story.” The first episode of Second Wind launched December 2, 2020, and Wendy has been producing two episodes a week since then. “I am meeting amazing women and sharing their stories—and now I am working with fantastic local talent to help me grow Second Wind. My goal is to create a movement and start a tribe, for I truly believe we earn the right to wear the woman suit when we come down here to this earth, and by doing so, not only do we need to raise our own consciousness but that of the world—and now is the time!” “Second Wind Wendy” as her tag on Instagram reads, is on the fast track to success. In less than three months, Second Wind has almost 5000 unique downloads from all over the world, and her following is growing daily. Second Wind can also be found at www.secocondwindthepodcast. com and at Facebook at “My Second Wind and Second Wind the Podcast” Facebook page.
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Book Section March Selections from Hills & Hamlets Bookshop and Underground Books: Hills & Hamlets Bookshop is a charming neighborhood bookstore in the Serenbe development of Chattahoochee Hills and was founded by the couple behind Underground Books in Carrollton. Hills & Hamlets Bookshop is open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 11 to 4, and we’re open 24/7 online at www.bookshop.org/shop/undergroundbooks and info@ hillsandhamlets.com. New in Fiction: Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro Klara and the Sun is a magnificent new novel from the Nobel laureate Kazuo Ishiguro– author of Never Let Me Go and the Booker Prize-winning The Remains of the Day. Klara and the Sun, the first novel by Kazuo Ishiguro since he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature, tells the story of Klara, an Artificial Friend with outstanding observational qualities, who, from her place in the store, watches carefully the behavior of those who come in to browse, and of those who pass on the street outside. She remains hopeful that a customer will soon choose her. Klara and the Sun is a thrilling book that offers a look at our changing world through the eyes of an unforgettable narrator, and one that explores the fundamental question: what does it mean to love? Buy here: https://bookshop.org/a/45/9780593318171 New in Poetry: The Hill We Climb: An Inaugural Poem for the Country by Amanda Gorman On January 20, 2021, Amanda Gorman became the sixth and youngest poet to deliver a poetry reading at a presidential inauguration. Taking the stage after the 46th president of the United States, Joe Biden, Gorman captivated the nation and brought hope to viewers around the globe. Her poem "The Hill We Climb: An Inaugural Poem for the Country" can now be cherished in this special gift edition. Including an enduring foreword by Oprah Winfrey, this keepsake celebrates the promise of America and affirms the power of poetry. Buy here: https://bookshop.org/a/45/9780593465271 New in Middle Grades: Dog Man: Mothering Heights by Dav Pilkey Dog Man and Petey face their biggest challenges yet in the tenth Dog Man book from worldwide bestselling author and illustrator Dav Pilkey. Dog Man is down on his luck, Petey confronts his not so purr-fect past, and Grampa is up to no good. The world is spinning out of control as new villains spill into town. Everything seems dark and full of despair. But hope is not lost. Can the incredible power of love save the day? Dav Pilkey's wildly popular Dog Man series appeals to readers of all ages and explores universally positive themes, including love, empathy, kindness, persistence, and the importance of doing good. For ages 7 and up. Buy here: https://bookshop.org/a/45/9781338680454
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Arts Section
Emily Gomez
Fabian Willams
Emily Gomez is an internationally–recognized jewelry and metalsmithing emerging artist based in Lubbock, TX, with a background in the jewelry trade business. From the small West Texas town of San Angelo, she often worked alongside her father, the owner of two large scale jewelry stores in the area. She is currently a senior in studio art at Texas Tech University with an emphasis in jewelry design and metalsmithing. Creating both limited production work as well as large scale eccentric works, she explores ideas of sustainability in both the environment and in mental health. In her studio practice, she is constantly on the lookout for ordinary discarded materials to experiment with, often collecting various wrappers, packaging materials, et cetera, to be used for a future work. Generally, the materials she uses would otherwise be discarded as waste to take a toll on our environment. However, these items or materials can bring the maker and wearer so much joy and value, and therefore given a new and exhilarating life through her craft as a jewelry maker and designer. Site: https://emilygomezstudio.squarespace.com
Fabian Williams (a.k.a Occasional Superstar) is an artist born and raised in Fayetteville, NC, now living in Atlanta, GA. Fabian received a BFA from East Carolina University in Illustration. After working for 13 years in the advertising industry with a long list of clients from Nike to Warner Bros and HBO, he decided to move to a purely expressive practice outside of the commercial space where he had the freedom to express more political and socially relevant contemporary themes. In 2009, He created the World Wide Art Federation, a performance art battle series. The WWAF mixes the swag of Ric Flair with the skill of Bob Ross. Artists must dress up in character and talk trash then paint against each other in a competitive art clash. The winner, like in wrestling, receives a belt. Site: http://occasionalsuperstar.com/
AIR Serenbe Fiber Forward Focus Fellowship, awarded to an artist working in textiles. March Artist-in-Residence.
AIR Serenbe Inkpot Focus Fellowship, awarded to an artist working in sequential narrative: comics, graphic novels, animation, etc. March Artist-in-Residence.
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For more infomation visit https://www.airserenbe. com/
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Arts Section
Ken Shepard: sanzu88@gmail.com
Ken Shepard Breaks out of the Box Ken Shepard began working in wood while learning to repair and restore vintage musical instruments, mainly guitars and mandolins. A few years ago, his work expanded to building furniture, specializing in the Arts and Crafts style, with an eye toward the early twentieth century designs of Gustav Stickley. Over time he collected bits and pieces of interesting wood that were too small for furniture and too attractive to burn. So he started making boxes. The boxes, with the exception of the tea boxes, are not made to any specific design, and no two are exactly alike. Rather, an individual piece of wood inspires each design: the size, form, and configuration all flow from an attempt to best feature the grain and color of each particular piece of wood. The boxes are all made by hand using traditional hand tools – chisels, planes, and saws. Finishes are hand-brushed shellac mixed from flakes imported from India or pure Tung oil; both are natural, eco-friendly finishes. Ken's love of wood and attention to detail in the box construction stem from his background in engineering and biology.
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Arts Section
Robert Lederman
Todd Terranova
Adrienne Anbinder
Karin Slaton
Wanda Hughes
Morgan Boszilkov
Gail Foster
Brandon Murphy
Julie McKinney
GW Harper
Janice Barton
Tom Swanston
Logynn Ferrall
Co-op members are: Adrienne Anbinder, Malinda Lively-Arnold, Janice Barton, Greg Blount, Morgan Boszilkov, Logynn B Ferrall, GW Harper, Gail Foster, Wanda Hughes, Ann Jackson, Robert Lederman, Julie McKinney, Brandon Murphy, Amy Peterson, Ken Shephard, Karin Slaton, Tom Swanston, Todd Terranova, and Judy Walker | 9057 Selborne Lane & Paint Space, 10625 Serenbe Lane Unit A. Open by appointment: 818.434.5436 www.chatthillsgalleryserenbe.com CHATT HILLS NEWS - MARCH 2021 - SUBSCRIBE TO CHATT HILLS NEWS
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Memorial Bettye McKoy Hearn February 2, 1933 - February 14, 2021 Mrs. Bettye McKoy Hearn, age 88, of Palmetto, GA died Sunday, February 14, 2021. She was born in Lagrange, Georgia to the late Lydia Mann McKoy and Edwin Neal McKoy. She graduated from Newnan High School in 1951 and married Dr. Harvey Bennett Hearn in 1953 at Newnan First Baptist Church. She is preceded in death by her husband, Harvey Bennett Hearn, and sister,
Staying Healthy No matter how good our intentions, it can be difficult to stay healthy during the winter: staying home more, the season of comfort food, cozy sweaters, and Netflix marathons. So here are a few ideas to keep up the good eating and super nutrition. Eat with the Season Stock up on fresh seasonal produce at your local grocer or the farmer’s market for a variety of delicious, nutritious options: broccoli, butter lettuce, honeydew, mango, oranges, pineapple, peas, spinach, arugula, and romaine lettuce are just some of the fruits and veggies at their peak in March, April, and May.
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Anne Coggin. She is survived by her children, Lee and Teresa Hearn of Brooks, GA, Beth and Dan Yarbrough of Peachtree City, GA; Jane and Rick Whitehead of Sharpsburg, GA; sister, Edwina Waters; grandchildren, Sam and Madeline Hearn, Daniel and Ashley Hearn, Kay and Roy DeLoach, Brent and Cait Patterson, Holly and Buck White, Emily Whitehead, Sarah Grace Whitehead; great-grandchildren, Kaylee DeLoach, Rebekah Suggs, Riley Suggs, Kane DeLoach, Claire White, Lily Mae Patterson, Abigail Patterson, Landon Hearn, Alan Hearn; many nieces and nephews. Those wishing may sign the online guestbook at www.parrottfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Southwest Christian Care, 7225 Lester Road, Union City, GA 30291.
Get plenty of Fiber, Green Nutrition and Protein There are many reasons you may not be getting the recommended number of fruits and vegetables in your diet. It’s expensive, preparation can be time consuming, and you may feel unsure of how much you really need to eat. According to the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention, less than one out of every three adults eat the recommended amount of fruit per day, and over 70 percent do not meet guidelines for vegetable consumption. • Fiber is great for supporting healthy blood pressure and blood sugar! • Green Nutrition supports healthy immune function, digestion, weight management, and energy. • Protein is an important macro-
nutrient and crucial for building muscle, managing appetite, and helping the body recover after work or exercise. Protein is necessary to provide the body with energy and stamina. If you can’t seem to fit in enough fiber, greens, and protein then supplement them just like you do with vitamins.
Logynn Ferrall, 281 658 5036 logynnbferrall@mac.com my.doterra.com/logynnbferrall Logynn Ferrall teaches healthy, natural ways to improve the quality of your life.
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Community
OUR CHURCHES Campbellton Baptist Church 8660 Campbellton Fairburn Rd Friendship Baptist Church 6090 Cochran Mill Rd www.friendshipbaptistchatthills.com Interfaith Fellowship at Serenbe www.facebook.com/ groups/1964824926878340/ New Hope United Methodist Church 7875 Atlanta Newnan Rd
Providence Baptist Church 6402 Campbellton Redwine Rd www.pbcrico.org Rico United Methodist Church 6475 Rico Rd Rivertown United Methodist Church 9325 Rivertown Rd Sardis Baptist Church 8400 Sardis Rd www.sardisbaptistch.com
Southside at Serenbe 10 am in the Oak Room of the Inn at Serenbe, 10950 Hutchenson Ferry Road. If you have questions contact Cathy Gailey at cgailey@remax.net or 404-456-6347. Southern Crescent Unitarian Universalist Fellowship www.facebook.com/SouthernCrescentUUFellowship/ Vernon Grove Baptist Church 8440 Vernon Grove Rd
OTHER CHURCHES IN CHATT HILLS Many churches have suspended services and activities due to the COVID-19 precautions. Please check with the individual churches to get an update on their schedules. Community
BRICKWORKS REPORT Chatt Hills Community Brickworks - Feb.
The Brickworks Food Pantry served 109 clients through our food bank in February, thanks to our wonderful volunteers who have reorganized our pantry space to allow us to better serve those in need. Community Brickworks is a 501c3 nonprofit which supports the needs of our local citizens and people in the Chattahoochee Hills, Palmetto, and Fairburn areas. New Classes We are excited to begin classes this month. Our first class, Whittling with Instructor Ted Wensley, begins March 2nd at the Library. The first class is instruction only. Masks will be required, and class meetings will be outside. More classes to come. Please check out our FB page for sign up, Chatt Hills Community Library and Food Pantry, or call the Library at 770-463-6600. If you would like to see a class added, or would like to volunteer to teach a class, just let us know! Chatt Hills Library We have been organizing the Library! Much easier to find and check out books. Come in and check us out. Lots of new books, big print, children’s books. You won’t believe the changes! Library hours are Mon and Tues 12-3 pm, Thurs
Community Brickworks 6505 Rico Rd., Chatt Hills, GA 30268, 770-463-6600
12-6 pm. Computer use is also available during these hours. And best of all, it’s all free! Our pantry is: • Open Wednesday from 3:00-5:00PM • Clients may visit the pantry once a month and receive two bags after completing the Food Pantry Request Form. More if a large family. • If there is an emergency need, text Carla Carrabino at 404-771-1418 • Emergency Assistance once a year, if available. Through our donors we have helped pay for critical emergency items – dental, propane for heat, electric, partial rent, medicines, materials to handicap proof a home, etc. All donations are 100% tax deductible. Community Brickworks receives monetary donations as well as food, books, and school supplies all through the year. We are managed completely by volunteers with no paid staff. 100% of your donation is used in your community to help your neighbors. Donations can be made through website CommunityBrickworks.org, and for more information
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City Government
Are You Behind On Your Rent? FULTON COUNTY
COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program For Residents Outside City of Atlanta
Starlink Offering Internet Service Starlink is now available for order to a limited number of users in your coverage area. Placing your order now will hold your place in line for future service. Orders will be fulfilled on a first-come, first-served basis. During beta, users can expect to see data speeds vary from 50Mb/s to 150Mb/s and latency from 20ms to 40ms in most locations over the next several months as we enhance the Starlink system. There will also be brief periods of no connectivity at all. As we launch more satellites and install more ground stations and improve our networking software, data speed, latency, and uptime will improve dramatically. The Starlink team will provide periodic updates on availability as we launch more satellites and expand our coverage area. Depending on your location, some orders may take 6 months or more to fulfill. To check availability for your location, visit Starlink. com and re-enter your service address. Thank you for your interest in Starlink and your continued support!
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Online applications starting in March
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Rent & utility assistance for eligible renters affected by the COVID 19 pandemic
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Income limits and other eligibility requirements apply
Payments will be made directly to landlords and utility companies. Additional details will be provided closer to the March 1 launch date.
www.fultoncountyga.gov/renthelp
FULTON COUNTY
Fulton County
Senior Well-Checks Are you a Fulton County resident age 60+? Are you experiencing isolation? Do you have a loved one who checks in on you? If no, are you interested in a well check from Senior Services?
Department of Senior Services is now providing periodic well checks for those seniors in need at no cost to you. For more information contact our office at seniorservices@fultoncountyga.gov or La Tanya D. Walker at 404-612-7188.
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City Government Local governments partner for mass vaccination site in Palmetto at YourTown Health YourTown Health is pleased and proud to offer the COVID-19 vaccines in South Fulton at no cost. We have received a tremendous amount of interest in vaccinations, underscoring the importance of this initiative. The unfortunate reality is that we are currently the only approved mass vaccine provider in the South Fulton area. Thus, our vaccine supply is running far behind demand—we simply have not received the number of doses we expected from the state of Georgia. Still, we are committed to doing all we can to help our community stay healthy. YourTown Health is expecting another supply of COVID-19 vaccines, though the arrival date is to-be-determined. We are prioritizing communication with you and the community and will provide regular and constant updates. If you have previously inquired about being vaccinated and did not hear back from us, we apologize. We are working to respond to all inquiries. All recipients will be added to our waitlist, which we will work on in a first-come, first-served process. We will contact you with instructions on making your appointment (first and second doses). Due to the high demand, please understand that it may take time (days or weeks) before appointment times become available. We appreciate your patience.
YourTown Health is located at 643 Main Street, Palmetto, Georgia 30268 Our commitment to you is: • Secure the maximum possible number of vaccine doses. Vaccinate as many community members as possible. • Communicate proactively, frequently, and accurately as our ability to care for you evolves. • Please continue to look for updates at https://www.yourtownhealth.com Current Vaccine Eligibility and Requesting an Appointment We are currently administering the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine in South Fulton. You will be scheduled for a first and second dose. We cannot schedule you for a second dose of the vaccine if you received your first dose at a different facility. YourTown Health will schedule patients based on vaccine phase
eligibility. We expect more patients to become eligible in the future. In accordance with Phase 1-A+ rollout regulations, the following patients are eligible: • Healthcare workers • Paid or unpaid people serving in healthcare settings who have the potential for direct or indirect exposure to patients or infectious materials, including but not limited to nurses, physicians, EMS, laboratory technicians, environmental services, etc. • Long-term care facilities (LTCF) staff and residents. • First responders. • Fire, police, sheriff, dispatchers, 9-1-1 operators, etc. • Adults 65 and older • We are currently not offering the vaccine to caregivers, unless you are a caregiver 65 and older. https://www.yourtownhealth.com
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City Government Chattahoochee Hills Plays an Economic Development Role in Georgia’s Film Industry In 2019, the 391 film and television productions that filmed in Georgia spent $2.9 billion in the state, supported 3,040 motion picture and television industry businesses, and delivered $9.2 billion in total wages. The economic impact of film touches local communities and small businesses across Georgia. The City of Chattahoochee Hills, like many other cities in Georgia, has become home to the film industry. For local residents, this can mean some inconveniences in traffic patterns, and for others it can mean revenue for the use of their house, business, land, etc. Either way, your city staff spends a lot of time making sure that the film industry has the proper permits, and we do everything we can to ensure the impact our citizens, our infrastructure, and our tranquility is as minimal as possible. We currently have three series being filmed at different times and locations in the City – Heels, Ozark and MacGyver. HEELS is about two brothers and rivals – one a villain, or “heel,” in the ring; the other a hero, or “face,” play out in scripted matches as they war over their late father’s wrestling promotion, vying for national attention in smalltown Georgia.
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Robert T. Rokovitz, MPA, ICMA-CM
MacGyver, staring Lucas Till, is a reimagining of the classic series from the 1980’s, the action-adventure drama about a 20-something Angus “Mac” MacGyver, who creates a clandestine organization within the U.S. government where he uses his extraordinary talent for unconventional problem solving. Ozark is an American crime drama streaming televisions series on Netflix. The series stars Jason Bateman and Laura Linney.as a married couple who relocate their family to the Ozarks.for money laundering. This is their final season and will have some shots of some final scenes right here in Chattahoochee Hills. This fiscal year, the City of Chattahoochee Hills has generated close to $20,000 in revenue from the film industry. This is direct permit revenue and does not include the share of sales tax revenue we receive from any and all spending in Fulton County. As we know, we receive a share of all sales tax revenue in Fulton County, not including Atlanta, which comes in the form of Local Option Sales Tax (LOST) and Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (TSPLOST). So far this fiscal year, we have collected $382,672 which is 80% of the budget amount of $480,000 in LOST and $259,637 which is 73% of the budget amount of 357,000 in SPLOST.
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City Government Action Minutes ~ Regular Meeting of the Mayor and Council City of Chattahoochee Hills February 2, 2021 / 6:00 p.m. Call to Order All members present. Review and Approval of Agenda Amended as follows: 1. Postpone Item 20-039, Ordinance to Add a New Chapter 13, Emergency Management, to the Code of Ordinances to the March 2, 2021 meeting. 2. Postpone the American Red Cross Month Proclamation to the March 2, 2021 meeting. Passed 5-0 Approval of Minutes 1. Minutes of the Regular Meeting of January 12, 2021 Passed 5-0 Presentations / Proclamations (None) 1. Arbor Day Proclamation 2. American Red Cross Month Proclamation Postponed Staff Reports Financial Update: Robbie Rokovitz Fire Department Report: Greg Brett Police Department Report: Jim Little Public Works/Parks Report: Darold Wendlandt Community Development Report: Mike Morton Public Hearing 1. Item 21-005: Public Hearing regarding the 2021 Comprehensive Plan update – the purpose of the hearing is to brief the community on the process to be used to develop the plan, opportunities for public participation in development of the plan, and to obtain input on the proposed planning process. No action will be taken.
bellton Crossroads Framework Plan. Passed 5-0 2. Item 21-007: Resolution to adopt revisions to the Fiscal Year 2021 Budget. Passed 5-0 3. Item 21-008: Award a contract to DCW Construction in an amount not to exceed an estimated $16,425 to renovate three bathrooms at city hall. Passed 5-0 4. Item 21-009: Award contract to LODGINGRevs in an amount not to exceed an estimated $26,016 to provide short-term rental compliance, licensing, and tax collection solutions. Passed 5-0 5. Item 21-010: Ordinance to revise and amend Chapter 4, Alcohol Beverages, Article II to create a new license for retail package licensees and a new license for retail consumption on the premises licensees to deliver alcohol to areas located within the city. Passed 5-0 6. Item 21-011: Resolution calling for a referendum to allow the citizens to vote on whether to authorize package sales of malt beverages, wine and distilled spirits from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 midnight and sales of malt beverages, wine and distilled spirits by the drink from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 midnight on Sundays. Passed 5-0 Mayor and Council Comments Executive Session (None) Adjourn Meeting The meeting adjourned at 7:15 p.m.
Welcome two more law enforcement professionals to the Chattahoochee Hills Police Department.
Unfinished Business (None) New Business 1. Item 20-039: Ordinance to Add a New Chapter 13, Emergency Management, to the Code of Ordinances. Postponed New Business 1. Item 21-006: Resolution adopting the Historic CampCHATT HILLS NEWS - MARCH 2021 - SUBSCRIBE TO CHATT HILLS NEWS
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City Government
Volunteers of the Rico Volunteer Fire Department circa 1972.
Fires of all sorts happen …
Greg Brett, Chief of Fire, EMS & Emergency Management City of Chattahoochee Hills Greg.Brett@chatthillsga.us 770-463-1592, office, 404-441-9850, mobile
… and they can happen at any time (midnight on Hutcheson Ferry Rd).
Reliable Fire and Emergency Medical and Rescue Services, 24/7 Many cities worldwide rely on volunteers to fill the roles of firefighter and emergency medical responder. Here in the US, over 70% of the fire service is made up of volunteers. I served as a volunteer for six years before transitioning to a full-time career firefighter and medical professional. In those six years I responded as a search and recovery diver in southeast Georgia, as an EMT with Georgia’s Department of Defense, and as a firefighter/EMT with Chattahoochee Hills. “Volunteerism” makes the world go around—it’s true! But how lucky are we here in Chatt Hills that we can rely on career firefighters and emergency medical professionals every hour of every day of the year? “Career” means no other job for the firefighters; they are in the station and responding to calls—to serve you. Anyone can call 911 and get an immediate response by our Fire Department, for just about anything. We have responded to such a variety, from pets locked in vehicles to grandparents needing assistance to get from their bed to a recliner; to families lost in the park, or someone trapped in a wrecked car; to grass fires racing with the wind across a 22
lawn, to a house fully engulfed in flames after a lightning strike. The list is long and includes some truly incredible stories. Some of our Chattahoochee Hills firefighters and medical responders have over 25 years of career experience; that means many, many varied experiences with people from all walks of life, struggling through minor to unimaginable medical emergencies—and just as many times or more, with incidents involving vehicle fires, building fires, crashes, rescues, and all too frequently, death. Just as important are the younger members who come up alongside the veterans, and our department roster has many young professionals who have dedicated their lives to become the best civil servants possible, too. A firefighter must complete many hours of training each year—and that same firefighter must record many hours of training in emergency medical care, as well. Every week of every month of every year training takes place—it never stops. Here’s what that means: when you call 911, you can rely on responders applying the most current professional firefighting
skills to a fire scene, or the most current emergency medical practices for your stubbed toe or possible stroke, not to mention the wealth of practical knowledge required to rescue a cow stuck in a mud-hole. Fire, EMS, and rescue response in Chattahoochee Hills can present many different challenges, so our training is generally more extensive than other fire departments. Here are some examples: • Wildland search and rescue tactics (training) means lost or injured persons experience good outcomes. • Water rescue training means river-goers on our 18 miles of the Chattahoochee River or those who enjoy other water features in our city have a “back up” plan for when things go wrong. • Training in helicopter operations at a scene means a patient needing air transport will get “airlifted” quickly to get to a hospital. • Drafting and water-shuttle training means homeowners who don’t have hydrants nearby can still rely on this department to deliver adequate water to a fire scene for
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City Government
Major thoroughfares in Chattahoochee Hills frequently yield motor vehicle accidents with several patients. the duration of the incident. “Hostile event” training means fire/EMS personnel are prepared, with unique equipment, to work alongside law enforcement at a moment’s notice. • Annually refreshing vehicle (patient) extrication skills or knowledge of hazardous materials incident management or traumatic injury protocols SHOULD translate for you into a very high sense of security that your Fire and EMS responders are ready for anything and will take care of you. Training and readiness are important, but it’s the commitment demonstrated by first responders, whether career or volunteer, that pays true dividends. Chattahoochee Hills no longer has a volunteer component within its fire department—those days are gone—but that’s because citizens and officials recognize what it means for “career” fire and medical professionals to be available 24/7. We are a (911) phone call away … all the time!
Beautiful, diverse topography in City parks can mean injuries and physically demanding patient extractions for Fire/EMS crews.
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Even a cow in a mud-hole needs the Fire Department’s help.
When you think things are under control, you get a curve ball.
Training frequently involves more than one department. Chattahoochee Hills, Coweta and Palmetto units and personnel pictured here during annual draft and water-shuttle training. Training together means we save lives together.
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Trending Topic
Community & City
City of Chattahoochee Hills, City Hall, 6505 Rico Rd, Chattahoochee Hills, GA 30268, Phone: (770) 463-8881, www.chatthillsga.us
City of Chatt Hills: www.chatthillsga.us Chatt Hills Charter School: http://www.chatthillscharter.org/calendar Community Brickworks: www.communitybrickworks.org Serenbe Community: www.serenbe.com Acton Academy at Serenbe: http://actonacademyatserenbe.com/#ourstory
Event
We will be scheduling Special Called City Council meetings as dictated by circumstances. These will be virtual and open to the public.
City Council Meeting - Tues., Mar. 2, 6:00 pm City Hall - 6505 Rico Road, Chatt Hills, GA 30268
The City will take the following safety precautions: • The City Council room will be set up so that the council and staff are all at least 6’ apart. • Any citizen attendees that want to attend in person will also be separated by at least 6’; capacity will be limited to the number of seats that can fit in the room under those conditions. • The meeting will be streamed live. Check details on the City’s website.
Historic Commission Meeting - Mon. Mar. 8, 6:30pm City Hall - 6505 Rico Road, Chatt Hills, GA 30268 Parks Commission Meeting - Tues., Mar. 9, 6:00pm City Hall - 6505 Rico Road, Chatt Hills, GA 30268 Planning Comission Meeting - Thurs., Mar. 11, 6:30 pm City Hall - 6505 Rico Road, Chatt Hills, GA 30268
About Chatt Hills News The official newsletter of the City of Chattahoochee Hills, Chatt Hills News, is published monthly. This publication is compiled from submissions from the community and is available in public locations around the City, at City Hall, or via email subscriptions. Email Subscriptions: To subscribe via email, visit the City’s Website: www.chatthillsga.us Or subscribe directly at this link: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/w9cGwxA Print Copies: Residents of Chatt Hills who do not have Internet may request mailed copies by calling City Hall (770) 463-8881. Article / Event Submissions: If you have a story, event, or suggestion for future articles, we’d like to hear from you. Please submit your information by the 15th of every month for publication on the 1st of the month to: chatthillsnews@chatthillsga.us
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